Use of forum member names?

[Vose]

Being new to an online community, I'm wondering what is proper etiquette when it comes to using people's real names in posts. My closest experience is in playing World of Warcraft, where you generally don't use real names when addressing others even if you know them. I know that most of our names are in our profile so they're easy enough to find, but does that make it ok?

[Moderator]

There's no formal policy about it here and the majority of the time, posters use the username as the form of address but after being here for a while, members do address each other interchangeably between real and usernames.

[Vose]

That makes sense, Ms. Mod I didn't want to offend anyone either way. Thanks!

[PatInTheHat]

Hmmmm
Hmmmmmmmmm
Ooookay, you can call me Pat

[king family fan]

As long as they aint cuss names Iam ok with whichever makes others comfortable.

[blunthead]

I figure if someone has made public their real first name on the Profile Page it's okay to call them by that name publicly, then they can object if necessary. So when in doubt I check the member's Profile Page under About Me, and if their name is not there I don't ask what it is or use it if I know it.

I remember the first time someone used my name in a post. It was a little bit of a surprise because I'd not been used to seeing my name used at any site, but I liked it because the post was a nice one and the use of my name made my relationship with the Board feel more personal and friendly. That post was from JohnDalglish I'm honored to say.

[~Ally~]

It depends who I'm talking to, and the context I use it in. For example, if GNTLGNT made a post saying he was upset about something and wanted support I would likely refer to him as Scott when replying as it would seem more personal. The more you talk with someone and become friends you will likely discover whether they are okay with their proper name being used on the main board.

Also, there's members here I use pet names with or even multiple names, eg; Ms Mod, Marsha, Modster, Motherator, Maaasha...it just depends what mood I'm in.

[Neesy]

It depends who I'm talking to, and the context I use it in. For example, if GNTLGNT made a post saying he was upset about something and wanted support I would likely refer to him as Scott when replying as it would seem more personal. The more you talk with someone and become friends you will likely discover whether they are okay with their proper name being used on the main board.

Also, there's members here I use pet names with or even multiple names, eg; Ms Mod, Marsha, Modster, Motherator, Maaasha...it just depends what mood I'm in.

So no one ever refers to her as "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha"? - not sure if you guys got the Brady Bunch over there but it was a popular show here on the telly.

[Moderator]

So no one ever refers to her as "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha"? - not sure if you guys got the Brady Bunch over there but it was a popular show here on the telly.

They know better.

[GNTLGNT]

They know better.

...Nuh-uh!!!!...and I still bear the scourge marks from THAT little witticism....